Methazolamide
Generic name: methazolamide [ meth-a-ZOLE-a-mide ]
Brand names: Neptazane, Glauctabs, MZM
Dosage form: oral tablet (25 mg; 50 mg)
Drug class:Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
What is methazolamide?
Methazolamide reduces the activity of a protein in your body called carbonic anhydrase. Blocking this protein can help reduce the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye.
Methazolamide is used to lower pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) in people with certain types of glaucoma.
Methazolamide is also used as a diuretic ("water pill") in people with congestive heart failure, to reduce the build-up of fluid in the body. This build-up is called edema.
Methazolamide is also used to treat certain types of seizures, and to treat or prevent altitude sickness.
Methazolamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use methazolamide if you have cirrhosis, severe liver or kidney disease, an electrolyte imbalance, adrenal gland failure, or an allergy to methazolamide or sulfa drugs.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use methazolamide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
severe liver disease, or cirrhosis;
severe kidney disease;
an electrolyte imbalance (such as acidosis or low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood);
adrenal gland failure; or
an allergy to sulfa drugs.
To make sure methazolamide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
severe breathing problems;
angle closure glaucoma; or
if you also take aspirin in high doses.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether methazolamide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Methazolamide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take methazolamide?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use methazolamide in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
While using methazolamide, you may need frequent blood tests.
Methazolamide ...
